ABSTRACT
The question: “How can youth and educators in schools and communities help address global water issues in local settings?” is addressed in depth from a regional and global perspective. These audiences play a key role in every community and are often overlooked in their ability to affect change and implement solutions to water issues. Educational systems are as diverse as watersheds – basic principles apply to all, while each has its own unique identity and characteristics. Survey results demonstrate that water education is not applied consistently across the globe and within countries, and that there are numerous barriers to water education. Successful methods of surmounting these barriers come from case studies including Project WET’s global reach, Uganda’s comprehensive approach, and discussions of other water education programs. The most successful programs combine the scientific and technical expertise of water professionals with formal and non-formal educators. Collaborative development and distribution channels can help scale-up the dissemination of materials, which can lead from awareness to action that creates positive changes and ultimately solutions to water issues. The water and education sectors have a unique opportunity to design, develop and deliver water education materials and training to countless people through new and innovative systems. Formal and non-formal educators are an underused resource and high-quality, hands-on educational materials and the networks to deliver them are the key to water education being a stronger tool in the water manager’s portfolio.
